Myanmar (Burma) tours & travel

Myanmar’s way of life will take you back – to time when temples glittered on every horizon and every breath was an act of worship.

Centuries ago in the land of Burma, people lived simple agrarian lives and devoted themselves to Buddhism. Today, little has changed in the modern Burmese state of Myanmar. Men still wear traditional longyi and pilgrims trek for miles to visit sacred sites. With its countless pagoda, stupas and statues of Buddha, Myanmar is a relic of the East barely touched by Western influence.

Myanmar (Burma) travel highlights

Pilgrimage to Golden rock

Picture a golden boulder about the size of a two-storey house balancing on the edge of a mountaintop. Now picture a resplendent golden temple sitting on top of that boulder – the Kyaiktiyo Pagoda defies all belief.

Myanmar (Burma) tour reviews

Jane Willis

My trip was amazing. Weather at this time of year was good. Walking around temples on tiles was manageable. Highlights was the trip to golden rock ( very exciting travel there) ; sunset after climbing to the top of a temple in bagan ; Inle lake and the amazing Shwedagon pagoda saved till the final day in Yangon

Alan Brooke

An excellent introduction to a fascinating country, helped by a superb guide. However, I felt the itinerary tried to pack in too much; I was disappointed not to have more time to explore the temples of Bagan.

Review submitted 08 Dec 2016

Myanmar (Burma) trip reviews

Our Myanmar (Burma) trips score an average of 4.82 out of 5
based on 100 reviews in the last year.

Myanmar (Burma) holiday information

Myanmar (Burma) facts

Myanmar (Burma) facts

Local culture of Myanmar (Burma)

Local culture of Myanmar (Burma)

Myanmar has an overwhelmingly Buddhist population but it also has many other ethnic groups such as Christians and Muslims. Unfortunately, minority groups in Myanmar face discrimination, but prospects are looking hopeful as the government becomes more democratic. About 80% of the population live off the land in rural areas, and Myanmar has largely resisted modernisation. Burmese people are famously kind and curious. They have a sincere interest in travellers and happily engage and share their culture.

Geography & environment

Geography & environment

Myanmar’s landscape comprises a trinity of coast, mountain and subtropical forest. Most of the country is a lush green colour and many of the people live around the Irrawaddy River, in the in the fertile land of the surrounding valley. Myanmar’s incredible mountain ranges form borders with China and Bangladesh, with many others trail off from the Himalayas. Half of the country is covered in well-preserved forest that contains tigers, leopards, rhinos and antelope. Myanmar shares borders with Bangladesh, India, China, Laos and Thailand.

Shopping guide to Myanmar (Burma)

Shopping guide to Myanmar (Burma)

There is plenty of shopping to be done in Burma so take this opportunity to make the most of your Burma holiday. Buying handmade goods is also a good way to support the local industry. Common items include jewellery made from jade and silver and paper umbrellas in stunning designs. When travelling in Bagan, you’ll find traditional lacquer-ware and sand paintings sold in stalls among the ruins. In other parts of the country, bamboo weaving is used to produce fans and baskets. Many other treasures won’t be hard to spot during your travels.

Myanmar (Burma) festival calendar

Myanmar (Burma) festival calendar

Thingyan Water Festival

Burmese New Year is a time for parades, temple-going and of course, throwing water. This well-meaning custom is intended to wash away sins but also proves a fun way of getting wet in the dry season.

Kason Festival

It marks the days that Buddha was born, enlightened and the day of his departure from this world. It’s held on the full moon when people go to pagodas to water Bo Trees – the tree beneath which Buddha reached enlightenment.

Tazaungdaing Festival

Sometimes called the Festival of Lights, this event was once a Hindu celebration at the end of the rainy season. Now the date involves weaving Buddhist robes and offering alms to monks. In some places balloons bearing candles are sent floating into the sky.

Food & drink in Myanmar (Burma)

Food & drink in Myanmar (Burma)

Myanmar has a distinctive cuisine that blends Indian, Chinese and Mon influences. At any given meal, you’ll be served rice along with a series of sides that give you delicious variety in a single meal. Among them might be a lentil daal or leafy sour soup, vegetables served with creamy dips, and fried meat or curry. Don’t be afraid to try the laphet on your Myanmar tour. It may be unappetising in appearance but this crunchy dish of nuts, seeds, veggies and fermented tea leaves is veritably tasty. For desert, sip down some shwe yin aye – fruit jelly in coconut milk.

Myanmar (Burma) travel FAQs

Most nationalities require a visa to visit Myanmar, and can obtain a tourist visa using a eVisa system. For information on obtaining an eVisa visit website: http://evisa.moip.gov.mm/

Important to note when applying for an eVisa:
- Passport validity must have at least (6) months validity from date of return.
- You will need to present one colour photo (4cm X 6cm) taken within the last 3 months and a copy of your return ticket.
- Length of stay is 28 days from the date of arrival in Myanmar.
- The eVisa fee is US$50 per person, payable by credit card (note: visa fee is non-refundable should the eVisa be denied)
- The processing time is approximately 3 working days for granting an eVisa however we recommend allowing longer in the event of delays.
- The validity of eVisa approval letter is 90 days from the date of issue. If it has expired, entry will be denied.
- eVisas are applicable for single entry into Myanmar only and you will not be permitted to re-enter on an eVisa that you have previously entered on (multiple entries not possible).
- eVisas are only obtainable if you are arriving into Yangon International Airport, Nay Pyi Taw International Aiport and Mandalay International Airport, as well as land border crossings at Tachileik, Myawaddy and Kawthaung. If arriving into another Myanmar entry point you will need to apply for your visa in advance through a Myanmar Embassy.

Nationalities who are unable to obtain an eVisa should contact the Myanmar embassy in their country of residency.

The availability of Internet is increasing in Myanmar, with wifi and access points in most hotels. However, Internet speeds are often very slow and unreliable, particularly in rural areas. Myanmar is not a country that relies heavily on technology, so expect to have limited access to technology while traveling here.

International roaming with an increasing number of western mobile networks is now possible in Myanmar; the situation is rapidly changing, so it is best to check with your provider in advance. Tourist SIM cards can also be purchased at international airports and some post offices.

Most toilets in Myanmar are squat toilets and can be quite basic compared to standards you’re used to. Soap and toilet paper isn’t always provided, so you may like to carry some with you. Most hotels and high-end restaurants will have western style toilets that cater to travellers.

Drinking tap water is not considered safe in Myanmar. For environmental reasons, avoid buying bottled water and bring a bottle or canteen with you. Ask your leader where you can access filters to refill your supply, or carry your own purification tablets with you.

There are a ATMs in cities and most major towns in Myanmar, however they are often unreliable, out of service, or have limits on how much you can withdraw. Your safest option is to bring US Dollars or Euro with you into the country and then exchange it for the local currency on arrival.